News

Sustainable services for the future

Published

10 years ago

February 12, 2016

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s draft budget for 2016/17 has been approved by the Cabinet.

Members met on Monday, January 11, to discuss the new budget which will see cost reductions of £13.8m and additional income from an increase in council tax.

Councillors spoke of a need to maintain services for the future and said there was a need to hold those services on a sustainable basis.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “I’ve not shied away from commenting that the receipt of the budget this year has highlighted the plight of rural authorities, and it is the case that rural authorities are finding themselves at the bottom of the pile in terms of funding outcomes from Welsh Government.

“There are residents in Pembrokeshire who are financially vulnerable and it is paramount that we keep them in our minds as we move through the budget process, the effect of the decisions we make in terms of the impact on the lives of those families.

“We have one of the most challenging budgets that the authority is ever likely to have.

“The 21st century schools programme is ambitious, but why shouldn’t it be, why shouldn’t we be ambitious for our young people, why shouldn’t we take risks in terms of our desire to provide them with the best of outcomes?. The 21st century schools programme is a risk as to the capability of the authority to deliver it but what an achievement we could deliver for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Sustainability of services is key because there are some poison chalices in terms of grasping the nettles of some tricky elements of service delivery and I will place on record that this Cabinet will not back down, we will grasp that nettle and we will look at every matter of service delivery without fear or favour because it is absolutely right that we consider every element of cost within the authority.

“The Wales Audit Office (WAO) has challenged us to think longer term and to plan in a financial context in at least a five year cycle. Recognising also that some of the decisions we make are very brave but mean little when we can’t deliver them and we have to have the political will to drive through these savings otherwise we’ll be in a position where services in the future will be unsustainable.

“There is a strong view that Council tax is seen by the public as fair a way as any of bringing in additional finance to the authority and although there is an opportunity to increase council tax we will still be the lowest authority in Wales. I think it is prudent, on occasions, to consider rises in council tax to ensure that the services we provide in the future are held on a sustainable basis.”

Cabinet member for Transportation and Major Events, Cllr Rob Lewis said: “Over the last couple of years I think we have taken disproportionate reductions in our budget.

“I’m fairly comfortable that we can continue to deliver a good service and we do have a very good network so I hope the public bear with us because we will be attending to their concerns.”

Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, Cllr Keith Lewis said: “One positive of this is that there is a small element within the capital budget for an industrial unit development in the north of the county and this will go a way towards creating the proper view that we are an authority that supports and encourages business.

“I look forward to seeing the Haverfordwest Masterplan and masterplans for all the other major towns which will allow us to identify specific areas that we can go for external funding and support those particular developments.”

Cabinet Member for Education and Safeguarding, Councillor Sue Perkins said: “The funding for post-16 provision in our secondary schools is controlled by Welsh Government and the specific grant funding allocation to Pembrokeshire for 2016/17 is still awaited, however there is likely to be a reduction between 3 to 7% and falling pupil numbers combined with reducing post-16 funding would represent a significant funding challenge to our secondary schools.

“Talking about Children’s services, these are some of our most vulnerable children in our county and whilst looking at making a reduction in the service, that always has to be at the forefront of our minds.

“We don’t know yet what the Families First grant is going to be; we don’t know if that is going to be reduced, if that is reduced it could have a huge impact on the services that we provide which is really serious because these are our very vulnerable children but we will make savings but only doing so when we know that our children are completely safe and we are providing the best service that we can.”

Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services and the Welsh Language, Councillor Huw George said: “There is only a certain amount of shaving you can do while saving before the whole service collapses. Our in-year savings have been cut because we haven’t got that political will and we can all be heroes by saying don’t look at this or that but if we do that all we are doing is saving up trouble for the following financial year.

“If we cut any more I’m afraid that the balance between saving and risk will be a risk upon public health. We appreciate that savings have to be made but when you have more regulation, more responsibility and fewer staff, somewhere you cross the line and that’s why I’m asking if we can look forward rather than this constant shaving.

“Let’s be brave so that we are on a sure footing as we move forward and I would support the leader when he says we look at everything and we investigate every avenue so that we can move forward with a challenging budget and come out at the other end with sustainable standard services for the people of Pembrokeshire.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.